If you are still feeling weighed down by all those holiday cakes and cookies and looking for ways to escape the monotonous gym routine maybe it’s time to start training for a road race.
Road races are great reasons to set fitness goals, to socialize, challenge yourself and in many cases to help a local cause. We found plenty of events this winter and spring for all levels and ages throughout Southern California. These races will not only give your body a great workout but are great ways to show community support because they all represent a local charity. Now what’s better than that – losing inches off your body while adding to a charity’s piggy bank?

Los Angeles

(credit: ocregister.com)

Sunday, March 4, 2012

Super Kids Sunday 5k and FREE Fun Run

Come out to the Beach (Long Beach that is!) enjoy a morning run, and help fight childhood obesity. Super Kids Sunday 5K and Fun Run is an event sponsored by the UC Irvine Pediatrics Residents and Miller Children’s Hospital to raise awareness on childhood obesity, and promote a day of fitness and wellness for people of all ages.

(credit: LAMarathon.com)

Sunday, March 18, 2012 @ 7:24 AM

2012 Honda LA Marathon

Benefitting 70 different charities.
The point-to-point course starts at world famous Dodger Stadium and finishes at the beach in Santa Monica. The course is referred to as “The Stadium to the Sea.” It travels through Downtown Los Angeles, Hollywood Boulevard, the Sunset Strip, West Hollywood, Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, and Ocean Avenue in Santa Monica. The race ends on Ocean Avenue at the intersection of Ocean Ave and California Avenue in Santa Monica. Several training groups are available to help you get ready.

(credit: greatraceofagourahills.com)

Saturday, March 24, 2012 @ 7:00 AM

Benefitting Helping Education in Agoura Hills & Oak Park.
These are some of the charity programs that participate in The Dole Great Race of Agoura Hills: The V Foundation, Train 4 Autism, Team in Training, American Heart Association. If you would like to learn on how your charity group can get involved, please call Traci at 877-478-7223, ext. 1.

This award-winning event has six distinct races and more than 7,000 runners entered from more than 350 different cities and 35 different states. The Great Race was voted as Best Half Marathon in the U.S. in 2011 by Active.com and the Best Post-Race Party in L.A. in 2002-2010. Sign up and you’ll experience why The Great Race is truly GREAT.

(credit: braintumorevents.com)

Sunday, March 25, 2012 @ 9:00 AM

2nd Annual Moving Towards a Cure - Los Angeles

Benefiting Miles for Hope to help raise funding of cutting edge brain tumor research.
This event consists of a 5k walk/run and a 1-mile family fun run. All participants will receive a finishing medal. A continental breakfast will be served.

(credit: hollywoodhalfmarathon.com)

Saturday, April 7, 2012

Hollywood Half Marathon & 5K / 10K

Benefiting the American Heart Association and the Los Angeles Youth Network
A new and exciting Hollywood-themed event: run down the world-famous Hollywood Blvd with spectators cheering you on. Start and finish near Universal Studios, vying for $20,000 in prize money and medals given at the Celebrity Style Award Ceremony at CityWalk Music Plaza.

Orange County

(credit: Timberwolf5K.com)

Saturday, February 18, 2012 @ 8:00 AM

Timberwolf 5K Run/Walk

Benefiting Families Forward
The picturesque views of Orchard Hills provide the backdrop for the inaugural Run/Walk. The challenging hills, breathtaking views, and fast downhill finish make this a race you won’t want to miss.

(credit: festivalofwhalesgrunionrun.com)

Sunday, March 11, 2012 @ 7:45 AM

Festival of Whales Grunion Run

Benefiting Doheny State Beach Interpretive Association, and will be used to support interpretive events in the park and the refurbishment of the Visitor’s Center, Orange County’s largest public aquarium.
10K & 5K Run/Walk and Kids’ 1K Run (part of the Dana Point Festival of Whales) will take place in Doheny State Beach on Sunday, March 11, 2012 starting at 7:45am. This is a fast and flat scenic run / walk along the coast and through Doheny State Beach. The event is part of the two weeks Dana Point Festival of Whales.

(credit: myspace.com/smsjpimp)

Saturday, March 17, 2012

Leprechaun Leap 5K

Benefiting The Tustin Community Foundation and the Chamber of Commerce, both are non-profit organizations.
The Inaugural Leprechaun Leap 5K takes place on Saturday March 17, 2012 at The District at Tustin Legacy. The 5K will be a competitive run and will also feature team divisions including Leprechaun Division, Snake Race Division, Individuals, and more. A special contest for the best Leprechaun Dog Costume will also be awarded a first place prize. Post-race festivities include a beer garden at The Auld Dubliner.

May, 26 2012

The Foam Fest

Benefiting the charity Hope for the Warrior.
What the Foam? The 5k Foam Fest is the newest and craziest race to hit the nation. Whether you like it dirty or clean the 5k, Foam Fest has something for everyone. Imagine the excitement of a mud run combined with foam, ginormous inflatable obstacles, army crawls, foam, colossal walls, cargo net climbs, foam, body washer, moon walk, foam, slip’n slides and water obstacles. The 5k Foam Fest is a fun and exciting challenge for the experienced and beginner runners alike.